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What lay/secular orders are there in the Byzantine tradition(s)?

A curious sinner saved by grace,
Vladimir

Dear Vladimir,

There are secular Byzantine Franciscans (I heard a rumour that some even posted here), Basilians (I don't belong to them), Carmelites (I wish I did belong), Benedictines.

I believe the Studites have secular associates who are closely aligned with their monasteries and share in their spirituality - and this is probably the best Eastern model for lay participation in the treasures of monastic spirituality.

Alex

I know of two Secular Franciscan Orders. One at the Poor Clares in North Royalton, Ohio and one with Holy Trinity Monastary in Sybertville Pa.

A good wish. It is a rich tradition, and is worth the effort...

Elias

Bless me a sinner, Venerable Father Elias!

Would you know of a Byzantine Carmelite monastery who accept long-distance postulants?

Alex

Yep, the Franciscans I here among you - I can vouch for that. ;-) Here's a web site you might find interesting. It's from the monastery related to the Icon & Book Service that many of us are familiar with: http://rumkatkilise.org/stmhc.htm.

I realized I could shed a little more light on secular orders - at least Franciscan ones. Among Franciscans, the first order are the friars. The second are the poor clares. The third order is divided into regular (cloistered) and secular (out in the world). Secular Franciscans go through a period of inquiry, lasting about a year, when they learn about the order and its history. Then they go through a period of novitiate, where they participate more fully in the order and this leads to profession. Many make temporary profession (a year) before making permanent profession. The order has a Rule with Vatican approval. You can read it at : http://www.nafra-sfo.org/sforule.html.

I do not believe that Benedictine Oblates are precisely the same thing as a third order, but I could be wrong. They do not have a Rule specifically designed for the secular state. I believe they try to apply the Rule of St. Benedict, which was, of course, designed for monastics, to everyday life. They are quite cool - I've popped in on their local chapter from time to time to listen to Father Abbot's talk and to enjoy their fellowship. Carmelites do have a third order, of course, but I must confess total ignorance about them. I've never met a Third Order Carmelite - or really any Carmelite! - so perhaps there is someone out there who can educate me!

Hello all:

I have a question, particularly for those who are SFO (hello Annie!). How well do Byzantine Catholics "fit in" with Roman Catholic SFOs? I'm a new BC, but I've been interested in the SFO for several years, and attended some meetings/retreats when I was in the Roman Church. I realize that fraternities differ, but would like to get some more info before moving forward.

May the Lord grant all His Peace!

Dear Alex,

It is God who blesses you!

Funny you should ask... I think I know just the place.

Elias

Dear Annie,

I am sorry you haven't yet met any Carmelites. They are a nice group. I hope one day you will!

Elias

My mom has gone for Spiritual Direction to the Discalced Carmelites in San Diego for 50 years and our family has been truly blessed from such a relationship with the nuns there.
Reverend Father Elias is right. They are a wonderful order with a rich tradition.

Peace,
Brian in Sacramento

...a wonderful community, and a rich tradition!

Thank you Brian!

I've read that there is a new Byzantine Carmelite Order under Ruthenian Bishop Andrew Pataki (Eparchy of PAssaic) in Phoenixville, PA. They worship and serve at St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, with Byzantine priest Fr. Glenn Davidovich.

Their AOL profile 'newcarmform' lists them as idiorhythmic rastafores which I don't know much about.
I think this is a small group of men at this stage,less than 6, but it is wonderful to have this type of growth in the Eparchy.

Here is their link:

Sam

<<Their AOL profile 'newcarmform' lists them as idiorhythmic rastafores>>

Sam, I hope they are not "Rastas," i.e., those who worship Emperor Haille Salassie II as Divine. From their website, these "Hermits of Mercy" appear completely Latin. Every picture on their website is Latin Rite oriented. Where does this fit in within the Byzantine Tradition? Is it a hybridized Order, i.e., basically Latin with some Byzantine features?

The Rastas are a group totaly unfamiliar to me, but below I put the profile they have listed on AOL. They belong to a Byzantine Catholic Church (Passaic) and wear brown robes when they attend church functions and services in the parish.
?? Confusing ??

They claim to be Byz, thought you are right, they Look Latin. (That isn't all that uncommon in some Byzantine Catholic parishes though)

Are Rastafores Catholic?

Sam

Name: The Hermits of Mercy of
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Location: P.O. Box 483
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
Marital Status: Professed monks
Hobbies & Interests: We are a community (in formation) in the tradition of Carmel, living in today's society, where witness to Prayer the Gospel values, spiritual & corporal works of mercy are sorely needed. We are a self- proclaimed community in the Byzantine Catholic Church
Favorite Gadgets: Currently a Private Association of the Christian Faithful, we are what is known in the east as Idiorhythmic Rastaphores
Occupation: We follow the Rule of St Albert of Jerusalem, restored by St.Teresa of Jesus, through Eastern Monasticism.
Personal Quote: If interested in learning more about us, and possibly sharing our life, please e-mail me. I will be happy to give more information about us.
Hometown HomePage: http://hometown.aol.com/newcarmform/